2002: Appeared in four games, including one start ... had solo tackle in start vs. Illinois State on Aug. 31 ... also played on special teams at Notre Dame on Sept. 7, vs. Western Michigan on Sept. 14 and vs. Minnesota on Sept. 28.

Independence: Recorded 35 tackles, including 13 solo, with an interception as sophomore ... had 24 receptions for 377 yards (15.7 average) and three touchdowns en route to being named honorable mention all-conference as wide receiver ... coach was Kent Keith ... comes from same community college as senior wide receiver Anthony Chambers.

High School: Honorable mention city league defensive back as senior at Wichita (Kan.) East High School ... team captain ... honorable mention wide receiver his junior season ... coach was Greg Gegen ... also competed in basketball and track and field ... state qualifier in 400 meters as senior ... named Most Athletic of senior class and listed in Who's Who Among High School Athletes.

Personal: Given name is Eric Tyrone Smith ... born Feb. 8, 1982 ... sociology major ... enjoys listening to music, reading and playing video games ... father, Laverne Sr., was running back at Kansas from 1973 to 1976 and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1977 ... brother, Laverne Jr., played basketball at Arkansas-Little Rock; brother, Bryson, plays football at Independence Community College; and sister, Crystal, is track and field performer at Butler County (Kan.) Community College.